Joe Ward to turn pro?

Rumours are circulating that Joe Ward is on the cusp of announcing a move to the pro game.

The decorated amateur, still only 23 years old, is believed by some to have agreed a move to the professional ranks, and speculation was stoked by a social media post yesterday from the Moate light heavyweight which promised big news soon

Pro interest in Ward has existed for many years, and Ward has spoken of turning down big money offers – as recently as this month. Despite this, rumours remain.

During his career in the vest, which must be stressed may still be ongoing, Ward won double World gold at underage level, World silver and bronze at Senior level, double European gold, and five Irish Elite Senior titles, as well as appearing at the Rio Olympics last year.

Ward has competed over five rounds numerous times in the World Series of Boxing, and over six and eight rounds on the AIBA Pro Boxing circuit.

Only last week Ward won gold at the Nicolae Linca Golden Belt Memorial in Iasi, Romania, and is currently on course to represent Ireland at the European Championships in Kharkiv, Ukraine, next month.

If Ward does indeed go pro, he would be the fifth of the eight-person Irish team that went to the Rio Olympics to make the move – joining Mick Conlan, Paddy Barnes, Katie Taylor, and his cousin David Oliver Joyce.

Joyce, Conlan, and Barnes are all managed by MTK Global, with Conlan being promoted by U.S giant Top Rank. Taylor is promoted by Matchroom and managed by Brian Peters.

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Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey speak to Jason Quigley on Episode 5 of The Irish Boxing Show: